<p>As a freshmen, since there are so many people it makes a person feel like a number.</p>
<p>1) Talk to them. 2) do stuff with them. 3) repeat. :)</p>
<p>As a pre-req to DRab's dead-on list, I would say:</p>
<p>0) Introduce yourself.</p>
<p>Start with your dorm floor and work your way from there.</p>
<p>build up a good sweat, lug huge suitcases into the dorm elevator... people will approach you, ask where you're from and if they can help you carry anything.</p>
<p>I made most of my friends from class by kidding around, talking about the subject, etc.</p>
<p>Then I went to parties with these friends and met theirs.</p>
<p>get off the computer.</p>
<p>Join some clubs.</p>
<p>Or go to parties, if that actually works for you.</p>
<p>I agree with nbanyk, don't spend all your time on computer games, cc, facebook or myspace. go out and talk to real people. join clubs and study groups. be nice and friendly to the people around you. it is really easy right now.</p>
<p>For those not from norcal, get out the dorm, walk to the nearest bart station and board a train going anywhere (not the midnight one haha). As I was waiting for the northbound Richmond train yesterday, the southbound train blew by, sending a gush of wind. It was very surreal to stand against that wind in the dimly lit tunnel. Can't explain it exactly, except that it was like an unrestrained dog that has the option to run anywhere, but chooses to sit and remain in a particular spot just because it feels perfect.</p>
<p>...ok...? hahaha.</p>
<p>yes, do what nicopico says and you too can be an 'unrestrained dog.'</p>
<p>Yes, if you really want to feel the wind, go to Montgomery or Powell Street Station in SF and have wind blowing from both sides of the track. It is amazing! Then go check out Union Square and Downtown S.F. with other people who want to do so and then you can make friends from such excursions.</p>
<p>Just talk to everyone. No one really minds talking to someone who is friendly and open. If they're talking about something you know something about, join in! Then introduce yourself, of course. =)</p>
<p>
[quote]
get off the computer.
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</p>
<p>This is actually GREAT advice. I just did that about an hour ago, and decided to floor hop. All I did was climb a few sets of stairs, and look for people with their doors open. I met so many friendly people. Man...why am I still on here.</p>
<p>yes, you are at a large public university, and it is easy to feel like you are just a statistic or a number here. the key, i think, to making the most out of your experience here is to make this school at least <i>feel</i> smaller. the way you do that is by making yourself part of smaller communities here at cal. your first community would probably be your floormates and other people you meet in your dorm. then you can join clubs and other stuff you're interested in. so even if you only know, let's say, 50 people after all that, you WILL see them over and over at different event and even just walking through campus. don't underestimate how nice it is to see people you know when you're going from class to class.</p>
<p>as for the actual meeting of people, i guess i have two bits of advice. go to the clubs and events you want to go to, even if no one else will go with you. if you can't get someone you know to go with you, don't let that discourage you. if you're really interested in that thing, then you'll meet people there anyway and make friends with them. also, even if you feel awkward at club meetings at first, just keep coming. that's what i do, haha. i'm always awkward at the first couple meetings and i don't really say a whole lot...but i know that if i hang around long enough, i'll diffuse my way into their community somehow. hopefully, this is the type of advice you're looking for.</p>
<p>Thank you so much.</p>